THE National Service Programme (PKBN) is a youth development programme that carries the aim of producing youths who are responsible, disciplined, dynamic, united and courageous, and who contribute to the country’s socio-economic development and strengthen national defence.

Implemented under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the goal of PKBN is to enhance the spirit of patriotism, commitment and resilience among youth in addition to strengthening the understanding contained in the constitution of the state and the national philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB).

Among the objectives of PKBN stated on their website are: create excellent Bruneian youths; enhance committed and resilient patriotism; strengthen understanding and produce youths that are faithful and devoted; foster a sense of solidarity; form positive character and the spirit of volunteerism; and produce youths that are responsible and ste…

THE runway and taxiway of Brunei International Airport (BIA) are being upgraded to receive Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 aircraft that can carry large number of passengers and high volume of cargo.

This was said by the Minister of Communications, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, on the sidelines of his visit to the Brunei International Airport yesterday to oversee the tour of a group of students who turned up to attend the Airport Open Day held by the Department of Civil Aviation to mark the International Civil Aviation Day.

Upgrading works continue to be implemented at the airport by looking at the demand of international airlines, the minister said, adding that Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 aircraft will be able to operate at BIA in the near future.

“Globally in the future, the airline market is going to be huge. The government has been making big investment in increasing the facilities at …

STUDENTS should not misuse the Internet and ensure that they travel for the right reason. They should be more cautious of religious gatherings though physically they might appear virtuous, but their “methods” may be wrong and doubtful.

This was stated in a titah by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, as the monarch and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam on Thursday consented to attend a get-together ceremony in London with citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, comprising students, and government officials on duty, attending courses as well as those on vacation with their families.

THE first Chinese bank to establish its footprint in Brunei Darussalam, Bank of China (Hong Kong), or BOCHK, officially opened its branch in the Sultanate yesterday which is expected to further fuel the growth of the local financial market.

ASEAN Today had this article on their website:
+++++ Will Brunei’s big vision change the country for the better?
DECEMBER 18, 2016

It’s been nine years since the announcement of the Wawasan Brunei 2035 targets to revitalise and overhaul Brunei and its economy. Good progress has been made on getting the key policies in place but the next phase of development means the government and citizens must face a whole new world.

By Oliver Ward

The launch of Wawasan Brunei 2035 (or Brunei Vision) over a decade ago sought to target three main areas. It called for a dynamic and sustainable economy, education reforms to create a highly skilled workforce and raising the standard of living across the country.

Behind these big plans, the government outlined goals for the total reformation of the education system, economic policy, business development, social security and welfare systems, as well as environmental policy. So, to what extent have these reforms managed to achieve Hassanal Bolkiah’s vision for…

THE Japanese Occupation of 1941-1945 was a major blow to Brunei’s sovereignty as a Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB). Under the occupation acts of injustice towards the local populace caused deep resentment that eventually grew into hatred, particularly among Bruneian nationalists.

The occupation also led to the reclaiming of Brunei’s sovereignty led by the Youth Front (BARIP). The movement was supported by Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin and his brother Pengiran Bendahara Pemaisura (later Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam).

Before the Japanese Occupation, Brunei was heavily controlled by the British, in which the power of the Sultan was limited only to matters on local customs and religion. Colonialism left Brunei politically weak, as evident from a…

IT IS said that the greatest strength is forged in the fires of great adversity. The end of the Japanese Occupation during World War II in the 1940s ignited the spirit of nationalism among certain intellectuals who were schooled abroad, and their leadership ultimately paved the way for Brunei’s independence in 1984.

After the Japanese surrendered in 1945, Britain hastily set up the British Military Administration (BMA) to oversee the governments under their influence, including Brunei.

British officials in charge of administrative matters in Brunei resented the fact that many locals had cooperated with the Japanese in order to preserve peace – a sentiment that probably stemmed from their military ties and their wartime experiences. Nevertheless, several local officers were denied posts in the government aft…

The rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is placing an increasing burden on Brunei Darussalam’s health care system and economy, though the government is stepping up efforts to improve the nation’s health.

NCDs have been the main cause of death in Brunei Darussalam for more than 30 years, with a shift away from traditional lifestyles and dietary patterns seen as the underlying cause, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH).

If unchecked, the increasing incidence of NCDs could put a strain on the country’s health care system, as well as affect social and economic growth.

“Without a change in our behaviour, the number of obese adults in the country is forecast to soar. This will prove devastating for the country and pose a real barrier towards our national development,” the MoH said in a statement in June.

Rising to the challenge

In response, the government has launched the Brunei Darussalam National Mult…